3D printing/printers
3D printers can create three-dimensional solid objects (e.g. motor vehicle parts,
clothing jewellery, etc.) from a digital model of the item by adding successive layer of
material on top of one another.
Explanation on how it works
To be able to produce a 3D reproduction, the 3D printer reads the design from a 3D
printable file and then fuses layers of liquid, power, paper or sheet material on top of
one another to build the model. These layers. These layers correspond to the
computer-generated cross sections of a Computer aided Design (CAD) model.
Advantages
3D printing is much cheaper than conventional manufacturing methods.
3D printing technology enables home users to have access to machines that
can build 3D models.
Parts needed for a project can be made on demand.
Disadvantages
3D printers are expensive, even entry-level machines are much more
expensive than normal printers.
It can take a long time to create models for 3D printers.
Consumables used in 3D printing are also relatively expensive.
Limitations
Printers are limited to the size they can print with regards to the space within the
machine where the model is printed. Almost all 3D printers use some form of plastic
for their models.
Relevance and impact on personal lives
Consumers can customize object using basic web-based customization software and
then order that item as a 3-D printed article, for example, customized cases for
mobile phones.
3D printers can create three-dimensional solid objects (e.g. motor vehicle parts,
clothing jewellery, etc.) from a digital model of the item by adding successive layer of
material on top of one another.
Explanation on how it works
To be able to produce a 3D reproduction, the 3D printer reads the design from a 3D
printable file and then fuses layers of liquid, power, paper or sheet material on top of
one another to build the model. These layers. These layers correspond to the
computer-generated cross sections of a Computer aided Design (CAD) model.
Advantages
3D printing is much cheaper than conventional manufacturing methods.
3D printing technology enables home users to have access to machines that
can build 3D models.
Parts needed for a project can be made on demand.
Disadvantages
3D printers are expensive, even entry-level machines are much more
expensive than normal printers.
It can take a long time to create models for 3D printers.
Consumables used in 3D printing are also relatively expensive.
Limitations
Printers are limited to the size they can print with regards to the space within the
machine where the model is printed. Almost all 3D printers use some form of plastic
for their models.
Relevance and impact on personal lives
Consumers can customize object using basic web-based customization software and
then order that item as a 3-D printed article, for example, customized cases for
mobile phones.
